MEDIA RIGHTS INSTITUTE SUBMITS PROPOSALS FOR REFORMING PRE-ELECTION AGITATION IN MASS MEDIA

    Presentation of the package of proposals of Media Rights Institute regarding reforming of legislative mechanisms of pre-election agitation in mass media took place in the Institution of Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS.)
     The recommendations have been prepared on the basis of existing legislation, as well as monitoring of printing and electronic mass media over two years. The project has been realized in the framework of the `Free Waves` project with financial support of European Commissions.
     Khalid Agaliyev, a representative of Media Rights Institute reminded about the necessity to include a special point on giving coverage of the election campaign in media.
     Concerning the reduction of the term of agitation campaign up to 23 days he said: `may be it is acceptable for the countries with developed democracy, but not in Azerbaijan. It is necessary to prolong the term at least to 45 days.`
     He thinks it is necessary to increase the time of free air from three to 12 hours, because it I very little for political forces; and only one TV channel, ITV (Public TV) presents a free air time.
     Khalid Agaliyev reminded that free air is at 18:00 or 19:00, but it is better to postpone it for 20:00 or 22:00. Free air time is presented for debates, but other forms of pre-election agitation are also necessary, Agaliyev said.
     According to the head of the IRFS Emin Huseynov, it is necessary to include into the program of every TV channel a paid air time for agitation campaign and political advertisement.
     It is important to create a Media Group for following the fairness and balance during the election process. -04С-